Switching from long-lived to short-lived HIV reservoirs
Turning off HIV White Noise: Switching from Long-Lived to Short-Lived Reservoir
This study is looking at why HIV can stick around in the body even when people are on treatment, especially in hard-to-reach places like the gut, and it hopes to find new ways to help the immune system fight the virus better by targeting a specific factor that helps it hide.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11040341 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how HIV persists in the body despite treatment and aims to understand the mechanisms behind this persistence, particularly in deep tissues like the gastrointestinal tract. By using advanced imaging techniques, the team can identify areas where the virus remains hidden and develop strategies to disrupt this persistence. The study focuses on blocking a specific immune suppressor factor, TGF-β, which is known to inhibit immune responses and contribute to the virus's ability to hide. If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies that help eliminate HIV reservoirs in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and have experienced viral rebound upon treatment interruption.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have not responded to antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that help eliminate hidden HIV reservoirs, potentially allowing patients to live without ongoing antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting HIV reservoirs, but this specific approach using TGF-β blockade is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinelli, Elena — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Martinelli, Elena
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.